African Union (AU)
The African Union (AU) on Monday welcomed the Gambian election results.
African UnionAccording to an AU statement sent to newsmen, AU is congratulating the President-elect, while hailing the maturity of the people and the outgoing president.
“Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the AU Commission, has congratulated President-elect of Republic of the Gambia, Adama Barrow, following his victory in the presidential elections held on Dec. 1, 2016,’’ the statement said.
The AU noted that the Independent Electoral Commission declared opposition leader Adama Barrow winner, following elections described by a group of AU Observers as peaceful, credible and transparent.
The AU also hailed the statesmanship of outgoing President Yahya Jammeh for gracefully accepting the outcome of the elections.
Dlamini-Zuma commended the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for the conduct of peaceful and credible elections.
The chairperson also hailed the people for peacefully and orderly participating in the polls, in spite of challenges.
She noted that the stakeholders’ participation was an evidence of the level of maturity of the political system and a demonstration of patriotism of the Gambians.
The chairperson invited all parties involved in the political process to continue to display maturity and embrace dialogue in line with mechanisms adopted with regards to consolidate democracy, inclusiveness, the rule of law, peace and security.
She reaffirmed the determination of AU to support Gambia.
Dlamini-Zuma urged neighbours and the international community to provide the necessary support that the country required to guarantee democratic stability and unity.
